Thomas Rozdzynski

Frankfort, IL, United States

www.rolacademy.com www.rolacademy.tv www.therolradio.com

26 Oct 20:57

👻 👻 👻

26 Oct 20:44

Oh — you’re in for a treat this week. For the next two weeks we’re focusing on leg locks. Yes — I usually leave leg attacks to Russell Usauskas, but we’re diving into entries, control points, and progressive leg-lock sequences. Come ready to learn and drill!

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Posted

24 Oct 10:27

The De La Riva Guard Series by Professor Felipe Simplicio offers a comprehensive exploration of one of Jiu Jitsu’s most dynamic open guard systems. Known for its versatility, the De La Riva guard allows practitioners to create angles, off-balance opponents, and transition fluidly between attacks. In this series, Felipe breaks down key sweep mechanics—emphasizing posture disruption, hook control, and grip strategy to unseat even the most stable opponents.

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/de-la-riva-guard-by-felipe-simplicio

20 Oct 17:38

Important week ahead! 💪

In Gi classes, we’ll focus on side control escapes, emphasizing the importance of underhooks to create space, recover guard, or start your own attacks.

In No-Gi, we’ll explore a variety of transitions to the top and back, sharpening your ability to control, and capitalize on momentum.

Bring your focus, stay disciplined, and let’s keep improving together! 👊🏻

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14 Oct 15:18

We’re Digging Deep This Week 🔥

In our Gi Intermediate class, we’ll be focusing on Knee on Belly control and attacks. It might sound simple and even a little trivial — but trust me, if you show up, I’ll change your mind. 

Our NoGi sessions will emphasize escapes, using frames and butterfly hooks as key tools to create movement and regain control.

Bring your focus, energy, and curiosity, let’s keep sharpening your game.

See you on the mats this week! 👊🏻

14 Oct 15:13

Connections and attachment has been very fascinating topic for me lately.  I recently had an opportunity to watch Scott Burr teach it. Very, very interesting... 

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Posted

13 Oct 09:00

On October 4th, 2025, RŌL Academy had the pleasure of hosting a powerful seminar led by Professor Jesse Walker. The session focused on advanced control concepts, diving deep into one of the most overlooked yet essential details in Jiu-Jitsu — the difference between traction and tension of the arm. Professor Walker broke down how these two forms of control create entirely different outcomes, influencing leverage, grip efficiency, and the ability to maintain dominance during transitions. His teaching style blended precision with practical application, giving students valuable tools to refine their understanding of positional control and submission setups. The energy on the mat was electric, and the insights shared left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.

https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2025-10-04-jesse-walker

08 Oct 22:08

I feel like there are multiple questions wrapped into this one. But to start with - yes! Over my time on the mat, I’ve developed systems and processes not only to understand Jiu-Jitsu better, but to make it more efficient, effective, and enjoyable.

These systems have evolved constantly, adapting, changing, and improving over the years. That’s why I always encourage students to focus on one small area at a time. Build your own system (whatever system means to you). That focus allows you to create something truly unique, something that fits your body, your mind, and your personality.

From there, growth becomes more natural. You can continue to build, refine, and evolve and ultimately, keep doing what we all love.

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08 Oct 22:03

I feel like this is such a loaded question... there have been so many lessons over my 25 years on the mat. But if I had to narrow it down, a few stand out the most.

First, I’ve learned that we are all capable of doing hard things. Jiu-Jitsu is complex, but it can be understood and even simplified with time, patience, and persistence. That lesson didn’t come easy to me.

Second, public speaking. To this day, I’m terrified every time I stand in front of a class, especially at big events like graduations or promotions. It never fully goes away, but I’ve learned to embrace it.

And third, perhaps the most important one... something a guest once said on The RŌL Radio podcast that stuck with me: Jiu-Jitsu magnifies your personality. If you’re a good person, Jiu-Jitsu will make you even better. But if you’re not, it has a way of exposing that and showing everyone your true colors.

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02 Oct 17:46

Let's go team 👊